3D printing giant Stratasys has just released BioMimics, a new system through which users can 3D print highly accurate and multi-material medical models. Stratasys says its BioMimics anatomical models will have applications in surgical planning, medical training, and device testing.

In recent years, the medical industry has turned to 3D printing to improve both surgical training and surgical planning processes. For the latter, doctors have used additive manufacturing to produce patient-specific models which help them to better understand the anatomy of the patient they will be operating on.

For the former—improving surgical training—realistic 3D printed models are making it possible to train surgeons without the need for animal testing or the use of cadavers, which are not always easy to come by and cost a fortune to store.

With its new BioMimics offering, Stratasys claims to be taking 3D printed medical training models to a whole new level, using multi-material 3D printing to mimic both the soft tissues and hard bones of the human body in a single print.

Currently, the BioMimics system will be offered to North American clients through Stratasys’ Direct Manufacturing Platform. Through it, clients can create 3D printed anatomical models that closely resemble their real life counterparts, which are then 3D printed using Stratasys’ multi-material PolyJet 3D printing technology.

“Armed with unmatched realism of BioMimics, researchers, educators and manufacturers can finally utilize the tools to prove out new ideas long before clinical trials, and demonstrate innovations to the skilled physicians who rely on them,” he added.

With BioMimics’ launch, Stratasys will initially be offering 3D printed models of hearts, bones, discs, and ligaments, which are not only realistic to the eyes and to the touch, but even provide real-time feedback on training performances. The 3D printing company says it will release more medical models, including vascular anatomies, in early 2018.

Medical universities, research labs, and hospitals can subscribe to Stratasys’ BioMimics service by either opting to order its existing anatomical designs or designing their own medical models for particular treatments and cases.

“The Jacobs Institute has been using Stratasys 3D printing solutions to replicate vascular anatomy for many years,” stated Dr. Adnan Siddiqui, Chief Medical Officer at the Jacobs Institute. “The BioMimics capabilities Stratasys has now developed enable a level of biomechanical realism and clinical sophistication not previously available in any vascular model. BioMimics will enhance medical innovation in vascular disease by enabling improved pre-clinical validation of new devices and clinically realistic training simulators.”

Stratasys is currently presenting BioMimics at RSNA 2017, the 103rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.